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Friday, January 11, 2013

Commander Zero on ATFE Form 4473

I listen to Commander Zero in general because he, sort of like Spenser's friend and partner in crime Hawk only talks about things he knows, and since he is in the firearms industry. Click to read his post.

The current system we have of NCIS checks and ATFE form 4473's has been described (can't remember where) as "de facto registration through record keeping" which I think is fairly accurate. I have also heard that it is fairly handy for figuring out who purchased (via an FFL and thus theoretically owns) the gun found in a puddle of blood at a crime scene. However it is not so easy to work the other way and figure out what guns Bob has purchased. Particularly if he has purchased guns in multiple locations over a long period of time (and this isn't talking private party purchases). Can it be done, yes. However if the ATF is willing to go to that effort you probably did something really bad and are likely hosed anyway.

I suppose theoretically a government agency could put in the time and effort to digitize said 4473's and then come knocking on doors to find them. However even setting 2A and III/ cold dead hands types aside there are so many different problems with the logistics of said idea that it doesn't worry me much.

Private party firearm purchases are certainly something to think about. Depending on your situation and tastes it might be an easy option or not very practical. If you like relatively common guns like AR's, AK's, (not considering the current situation though these guns are available albeit at a steep price.) Remington or Mossberg pump shotguns, Glocks, wheel guns, Ruger 10/22's and such it should work fine. Especially if you are looking at getting multiples of said guns so you don't need a pistol this month and could buy a shotgun if that is the deal that comes up. Now if you are interested in really specific and uncommon firearms like say a limited edition two tone Sig .40 cal with special grips and factory night sights a PP purchase would be problematic. Depending on how worried you are or are not about our record keeping and potential confiscation this concern could be minimal or weigh heavily on you. Either way having some basic important guns that are 'free range' isn't a bad idea.